Transoral Robotic Surgery in North Carolina

Wake Forest Baptist is among an elite group of academic medical centers nationwide specializing in transoral robotic surgery, or TORS, an advanced endoscopic technique to remove early stage tumors of the tongue base, larynx, throat and skull base. In fact, our head and neck cancer surgeons performed the first transoral robotic surgery in western North Carolina using the state-of-the-art da Vinci® surgical robot.

Traditional tumor removal involves external incisions in the neck or mouth that can damage the appearance and lengthen the recovery process. Transoral robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that gives doctors improved access to the mouth and tumor site, so that patients can avoid potentially disfiguring operations and maintain quality of life. Most patients also avoid placement of a tracheotomy or feeding tube, and in some patients, lower doses of radiation therapy are needed following robotic surgery.

Other benefits of transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer removal include:

Quicker return to normal function

Reduced risk of infection

Shorter hospital stays

Less scarring

The da Vinci® Surgical Robot

Our surgeons use the da Vinci® surgical robot to perform transoral robotic surgery. The device has a three-dimensional endoscope that provides high-resolution images of the tumor site and two or three additional robotic arms to hold surgical instruments. Seated at a console in the operating room, the surgeon manipulates controls that translate the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments. Learn more about transoral robotic surgery at Wake Forest Baptist.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.